Tennis: Nadal admits defeat, he puts an end to the debate

Holder of a Master’s degree in sports journalism, I fell in love with tennis since childhood and have always loved reading the great stories of this sport. Today, I want to tell them about them, take full advantage of my passion and be as close as possible to the aces of the circuit.

Majorly absent from the 2023 season, Rafael Nadal should make his return in 2024 in what looks a lot like the last year on the professional circuit. The 37-year-old Spaniard, who recently returned to training, has given a lot of information since Monday regarding his state of health and his plans for the future. Obviously, he was also questioned about the elements of the current circuit with the historic domination of Novak Djokovic.

The question of the GOAT, a debate that has raged on social networks for years and even more so in recent months, will perhaps finally have an official answer. Novak Djokovic defied human logic by winning 3 of the 4 tournaments Grand Slam this year, all at 36 years old. The Serbian is now more than unanimous in terms of numbers: no player has been better than him in the history of tennis.

“Djokovic is the best in history”

While the members of the Big 3 have faced each other dozens of times during their careers, giving rise to legendary duels between them, the one who is today at the top of all the rankings is Novak Djokovic. “I believe that numbers are numbers and statistics are statistics. In this sense, I think he (Djokovic) has better numbers than mine and that is indisputable. I think that when it comes to titles, Djokovic is the best in history and there is nothing to discuss about that.”said Nadal Wednesday in an interview with the Spanish sports daily As.

Tennis: Medvedev postpones his recovery, defeat too bitter? https://t.co/Po9pXTzBGR pic.twitter.com/vsZb4CYK0g

— le10sport (@le10sport) September 21, 2023

A different motivation

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal et Novak Djokovic all three excelled like no one had ever done before them in the history of tennis. However, everyone had their own style and unfortunately for the Serb, the fact of arriving a little late worked to his disadvantage. ” It’s the truth. The rest are tastes, inspirations, sensations that one or the other can transmit to you, so that you like one or the other more. I congratulate him for everything he accomplishes and it doesn’t cause me any frustration.” assures the Spaniard.

Last legendary duel?

Next year, Rafael Nadal will therefore attempt a final return to competition to make a small farewell tour for its last season. The Mallorcan still does not know in what state he will be but one thing is certain, when he returns he will be faced with a harsh reality: he will no longer have a ranking and will risk falling against any opponent very quickly in the tournaments. It is often said that the best way to end a career is in a big match, why not against Novak Djokovic…